Renowned Makeup Artist Jung Saem Mool Recounts Harrowing Robbery Experience in South Africa

Renowned makeup artist Jung Saem Mool recently opened up about a terrifying robbery incident she experienced during an overseas photo shoot.

On the October 6th episode of tvN STORY's 'Billion Dollar Breakfast,' Jung Saem Mool shared her story. As a leading figure in the K-beauty industry, Jung has transformed makeup trends and worked with top stars like Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo, Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Hyori, and Chinese actress Tang Wei, achieving an impressive annual revenue of 110 billion won. She started her career with a part-time job earning just 47,000 won a month and increased her earnings to 4.7 million won within eight months.

Originally aspiring to be an artist, Jung faced financial difficulties but eventually pursued makeup artistry after a family friend helped her with tuition. She dedicated herself to her craft, collecting makeup materials while others focused on appearances. Her reputation for excellence led her to work with top stars, including Lee Seung-yeon.

Jung recounted a traumatic robbery incident in South Africa while on a photo shoot with Kim Tae-hee. The incident was severe enough to make the 9 o'clock news. She described being invited to dinner by a guide, where the Korean community gathered to welcome them. However, the evening took a terrifying turn when armed robbers burst in, stealing over 20 million won worth of valuables from Jung and taking a photographer's camera. The robbers forced dozens of people, including children, into a small bathroom. Fortunately, no one was physically harmed.

Jung admitted that the experience left her traumatized, but a comforting hug from a local girl helped her overcome her fear. "The trauma disappeared," she shared.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr